Fitch: U.S. GSE Risk-Sharing Credit Expands, But Still Strong

Link to Fitch Ratings' Report: U.S. GSE Risk-Sharing Trends
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=864802

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue to expand the credit spectrum of loans included in their risk sharing transactions, according to Fitch Ratings in its latest GSE risk-sharing trends report.

The weighted average FICO score of borrowers in deals issued in the first quarter of 2015 was 752, down from the 765 seen in the inaugural transactions issued in 2013.

Even with the inclusion of slightly weaker borrowers, agency mortgages included in recent reference pools continue to show better credit attributes than historical averages, according to Director Sean Nelson. 'The drop in credit scores among GSE risk-sharing transactions since 2013 is notable, but the average FICOs in the most recent transactions are still 30 points higher than those seen in strong performing vintages originated prior to 2005,' said Nelson.

The GSE risk-sharing transactions are expected to contribute a consistent supply to the market for the foreseeable future. The first quarter of 2015 started off strong, with Fannie and Freddie issuing roughly $2.3 billion, surpassing the total issuance from 2013. Roughly $10.8 billion was issued in 2014.

'U.S. GSE Risk-Sharing Trends' is available at www.fitchratings.com or by clicking on the above link.

Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com.

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